Hungary: Veolia acquires the Szakoly biomass plant and contributes to the development of renewable energy in the country

Veolia acquires the Szakoly power plant, the fifth largest installation in Hungary producing electricity purely from biomass. The Group is consequently developing its renewable energy activities in the country, where it already operates several power plants, including those in Pécs and Dorogde.

Since 2009 the Szakoly power plant, with a capacity of 19.8 MW, has been producing 130 GWh of electricity per year from the combustion of wood chips and sawmill by-products, equivalent to the consumption of 50,000 households. It helps towards Hungary’s targeted 14.65% share of renewable energy sources in its total energy mix by 2020 (it was 10.5% in 2015).

“In Hungary, Veolia has been a forerunner in the field of renewable energy production from biomass through its power plants in Pécs and Dorog. I am delighted by the takeover of the Szakoly biomass power plant, which strengthens our position and anchors our presence in eastern Hungary, where we have already been operating the Debrecen and Nyíregyháza power plants since 2015,” said György Palkó, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Hungary.

“Our target is the long-term efficient and successful management of the power plant, which employs 55 people,” said Attila Vollár, head of DBM Zrt, the company acquired by Veolia which operates the Szakoly power plant. “We are exploring further developments, including cogeneration. The heat produced could be used for heating greenhouses in partnership with fruit and vegetable producers. In Hungary biomass represents 52% of renewable energy sources. Operating this power plant will help to increase this proportion."